A COMMUNITY café in Conwy run by learning disability charity Hft has celebrated the graduation of its first four interns.
Catherine, Carys, Sam and Karl are the first interns to graduate from Caffi Dai’s supported internship programme.
The four have spent the last year at the café, based at the redeveloped Bryn Euryn Nursery in Mochdre, run in partnership by learning disability charity Hft and Conwy County Borough Council.
During their time at the café, the interns have learnt a variety of skills such as assisting the chef with food orders and training as baristas.
They have also learnt how to use the appliances, honed their cooking skills and grown in confidence dealing with customers.
They have been enabled on their journey by onsite employability coach Hannah Williams, Caffi Dai Catering Manager Mark Kelly and the on-site café team.
Catherine joined the Caffi Dai internship after finishing college, undertaking her placement alongside volunteering at the National Trust’s Bodnant Gardens Café.
Working in a café has been a long-held passion for Catherine, who started her internship in August 2024 and has been working front of house as well as in the kitchen.
Catherine, who’s next goals are to get a paid job in the hospitality sector and to live independently, said: “I really enjoy working in Caffi Dai meeting a lot of people, practicing my Welsh and coffee making skills.”
Sam, 20, has also graduated from Caffi Dai after leaving school.
He opted for the internship to learn new skills, boost his confidence, make new friends and gain valuable work experience.
During his internship, Sam gained experience in both the front of house and kitchen roles.
“I’ve enjoyed working at Caffi Dai and learning lots of different skills,” said Sam.
“I enjoy working on the till because I like serving customers.
“I’ve attended lots of training sessions and achieved an accredited certificate in customer service with Adult Learning Wales,” said Sam.
During his time at Caffi Dai, Sam won its Intern Choice Award in recognition of his dedication and effort into acquiring new skills.
Graduate Carys joined the internship to develop her front of house and barista skills.
Carys, 28, is non-verbal and has a communication iPad.
She worked with Hannah to develop communication cards for interacting with customers along with an information poster about herself which is displayed at the till.
Among Carys’s key responsibilities during her internship were operating the till, taking customers’ orders, processing payments and operating the barista coffee machine.
“I love making coffees on the machine. Lattes and cappuccinos are my favourite,” said Carys.
Graduate Karl joined Caffi Dai alongside a college course and across the last nine months has worked in the kitchen.
Karl, 24, was keen to learn how to work in a kitchen and develop all the necessary skills for the world of work.
He has acquired skills in using the dishwasher, organising dishes and has gained knowledge in food preparation and baking – particularly enjoying making Cherry Bakewells and brownies.
Karl said: “One of my highlights was learning how to bake Cherry Bakewells with Meg, a mentor and the café’s chef.
“They were selling out so quick and customers were complimenting how delicious they were.”
The graduation comes ahead of national Learning Disability Week, which runs from June 16-25.
Learning Disability Week, an annual initiative spearheaded by Mencap and supported by Hft, is an opportunity to shine a light on the experiences and achievements of individuals with learning disabilities.
This year the theme is ‘Do You See Me’ with the campaign directly challenging the barriers that continue to prevent individuals with learning disabilities from fully participating in everyday life.
Its aim is to ensure that people with learning difficulties are not only seen, but also truly heard and valued within their communities.
It is an opportunity to highlight their talents, skills and the positive impact they have on their communities, working to challenge misconceptions and break down the stigma which still exists.
Caffi Dai Catering Manager Mark Kelly said: “Watching our interns grow over the course of their time with us has been nothing short of inspiring.
“Each one brought their own spark, energy, and dedication to the team and it’s been a privilege to see them flourish.
“We’re incredibly proud of everything they’ve achieved, and now, as they graduate, we know they’re heading into the world with the skills, confidence, and heart to do amazing things.”
Hft Employability Coach Hannah Williams said: “Over the past nine months, I’ve had the absolute privilege of watching our interns grow into confident, capable professionals.
“Their dedication, creativity and resilience have been nothing short of inspiring.
“I’m incredibly proud of everything they’ve achieved and excited to see where their journeys take them next.”
Hft CEO Stephen Veevers said: “At Hft, we firmly believe that everyone has the right to aspire, contribute, and thrive in meaningful employment.
“The achievements of our interns at Caffi Dai exemplify what’s possible when individuals with learning disabilities are provided with the right support and opportunities.
“Employment is more than just a payslip—it fosters identity, inclusion, and unlocks potential.
“We’re proud to collaborate with partners like Conwy County Borough Council to turn this vision into reality.”
All four graduates have now been referred to Co-options, the supported employment service in Conwy where they will be assisted to find employment in a hospitality setting.
Craig Bond, Day Services Team Manager at Conwy County Borough Council, said: “The progress that the interns have made during their time at Caffi Dai has been fantastic.
“All of the interns had expressed a desire to find paid employment in the hospitality sector when I first met them, and we knew that Caffi Dai would be the perfect opportunity for them to gain the skills that will be invaluable in their journey into paid work.
“HFT’s support, particularly the coaching they have received from Employability Coach Hannah, has put the graduating interns into a great position to find a job in their chosen sector.”
Getting involved in Learning Disability Week 2025 is something everyone can do. You can show your support by:
- Educating yourself and others: Take the time to learn more about learning disabilities and share accurate information.
- Listening to and valuing the voices of learning disabled: Create spaces where their experiences and perspectives are heard and respected.
- Challenging barriers: Speak out against discrimination and advocate for more accessible and inclusive environments.
- Celebrating achievements: Recognise and celebrate the success and contributions of learning disabled people in your community.
- Supporting relevant organisations: Consider volunteering or donating to charities which work to support learning disabled people and their families.
